Statement by Administrator Samantha Power
Independent experts have confirmed a heartbreaking reality: Famine is ongoing in parts of North Darfur, West Kordofan, and South Kordofan in Sudan. Among the affected areas are Zamzam and two camps for internally displaced people. Worse still, famine is expected to spread to five more areas by May 2025. Over half of Sudan’s population is now facing critical food shortages, and at least 638,000 people are living in famine conditions.
This crisis is man-made. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused widespread suffering, with bureaucratic restrictions further blocking aid from reaching those in need. Since the conflict began in April 2023, humanitarian access has been severely limited, leaving millions at risk.
The Human Toll
The conflict has displaced more than 12 million people and left over 30 million in need of urgent humanitarian aid. In North Darfur, severe flooding during the summer months and increased fighting have cut off aid to vulnerable communities. In South Kordofan, the situation is equally dire. Ongoing clashes, high food prices, and limited access to farmland have left many people without basic necessities. If conditions remain unchanged, famine is expected to worsen in more areas.
Urgent Action Needed
Despite the challenges, humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide aid. Last week, the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, with local partners, delivered emergency supplies to tens of thousands of people in famine-stricken areas. However, more support is needed to save lives.
Administrator Samantha Power is calling on the SAF and RSF to allow unrestricted humanitarian access. Aid workers must be able to reach those in need without interference. Millions of innocent lives hang in the balance. Immediate action is essential to prevent famine from spreading further.
Contact:
For more information, please contact USAID's Press Office.
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